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From Last Year's Home-Buyer Fair A Great Phone Call That Will Bring In $$$

By
Real Estate Agent with Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty

As I stated in the blog yesterday, I am currently involved in assisting in planning a county wide first time home-buyer Fair, Catch The Dream Orange County.  I want to thank those of you who gave me ideas and links to other articles that will help.  Anyway, I was at my office yesterday afternoon and got a call from someone I met at last year's fair.  We had spoken at my booth and had a few contacts immediately following the event but they were not ready to buy yet.  They promised that they would call me when they were ready.  I know, who would believe that such casual contact almost a year ago would result in a new buyer client but they called and we are getting ready to see some homes in the $300000 range.

My manager was floored.  This is not the first time this has happened to me and he wanted to know what I did to get people to feel such a connection.  Honestly, I don't know but I think it has to do with presenting a friendly face, willingness to provide information and support, and respecting the person where they are.  I was a volunteer parenting and breastfeeding councilor with La Leche League for years when I was home with my children and that was the philosophy I learned as a LLL Leader.  I try to meet each person where they are and respect them for any efforts they are making.   

I know that not every buyer will connect with me and my way of working.  There are those that will respond better to someone who is "all business".  That is what should keep us all working even if we don't work the same way.  If I find I am not connecting with a buyer or potential lister I refer to someone else within my team or company.  It is better to have a piece of of something than all of nothing.

I will keep trying to work my way as it seems to be working for me.  What kind of agent are you?  I think we should play to our strengths and recognize our weaknesses.  Good luck out there.       

Comments (4)

Vincent McKamy
Samson Properties - Fredericksburg, VA
Realtor Fredericksburg Virginia
This is a great point - I think you are on to something here Paddy.  We all do have different styles and personalities and people are going to like different things about us.  I live by the same rules you do - more of a relaxed agent - and I have made it a great career for me.
Feb 25, 2008 10:29 PM
Mary Luz-Johnsen
Concierge Notary Services, LLC - Cape Coral, FL
Face time is everything in this business. I have also had customers that I just kept in touch with and had them take a year or more to buy.  Another great place that I have picked up customers who did not buy right away but I connected with, was a Bridal Shows!  I rent a booth, dress like the mother of the bride (I am pushing 50 after-all), put out pictures of my own wedding and just connect. However these brides to be don't need to know my marriage tanked. ;)   Other Realtor friends of mine have thought I was crazy for doing these bridal shows. They have proved to be a success for me.
Feb 25, 2008 10:33 PM
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com
Great success story on just being you and going out there to get business. To get involved in fairs and other promotionss
Feb 25, 2008 10:35 PM
Dorene Shirley
The Mortgage & Property Connection - Campbell, CA
Silicon Valley Real Estate
Paddy - I have a very bubbly personality, extreme energy.  I remember going to see a new contact for a refinance.  He was a conservative cop.  I could tell we were not connecting at all.  Then, his girlfriend came bouncing down the hall to where we were.  She and I started talking 90 miles a minute.  His whole disposition changed immediately.  They've been my good clients for years now.  You never know...
Feb 25, 2008 10:42 PM